Mumbai’s crime scene has thickened with shocking revelations in the firing incident at filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence. Twelve suspects are now in custody, following a batch of six arrests on Monday, all remanded till February 25. Interrogations by the Mumbai Crime Branch have peeled back layers of a conspiracy fueled by ideology and greed.
The master recruiter, Vishnu Kushwaha from Uttar Pradesh, emerges as the key figure. He handpicked and brainwashed the shooters, dangling promises of hefty payments alongside appeals to Hindutva sentiments. Deepak Sharma, Sunny Kumar, Sonu Kumar, and others fell under his sway, convinced to execute the brazen attack.
Crime Branch sources reveal that mastermind Shubham Lonkar collaborated closely with Vishnu. Funds flowed from Shubham to Vishnu, then trickled to the foot soldiers, with assurances of fat payouts post-mission. Vishnu’s ties to the Bishnoi gang run deep; he’s been operating for them in the region, targeting unemployed youth desperate for quick riches.
These recruits from UP and Haryana were no strangers to crime glamour. Social media reels flaunting guns and bravado made them prime candidates. Vishnu sold them the dream of underworld glory, invoking Lawrence Bishnoi’s aura to seal their loyalty.
Investigators suspect Deepak received pistol training prior to the hit, though the location remains elusive. Joint teams from Mumbai Crime Branch and UP STF are scouring for evidence. All phones went dark during the operation, delaying location tracking and allowing initial escapes to Agra and Noida.
Shelter providers Jatin and Vishal knew exactly who they were harboring – fresh from Shetty’s doorstep. This web of deception highlights how gangs exploit vulnerability, blending religious fervor with financial bait to orchestrate high-profile hits. As probes deepen, more links to organized syndicates surface, promising further arrests.